I know I’m running a risk, but what can I do?

[BenThom-Wood]

I know I posted here about going back to the activity when you had your cardiac event.

For me, back in June 19, was swimming. That cardiac arrest came out of the blue as I’d been swimming regularly for around 5 years by then.

Now I’m thinking that by going back swimming (half amount; 40 lengths in 30 minutes) I’m asking my heart to use (rebuild?) the parts of it which were damaged in the heart attack of September’19, which was brought on by the initial cardiac arrest.

I cannot imagine there’s much spare cells in my heart. Yet I’m told my heart is damaged due to lack of oxygen during the heart attack.

So is my heart trying to repair itself? Are the damaged cells trying to get back in the game? Am I pushing my luck by exercising (using all of my heart perhaps too much?), but then why do I not feel exhausted at the end of 30 minutes & 40 lengths?

I always feel good after exercise, I’m 3/4 for cardiac arrests since 2019. I don’t think the plumbing is broken but the wiring is dodgy?

Thanks.

[ChoochSiesta]

I would do as much as feels comfortable, listen to your body. Your heart is a muscle and muscles need to be used in order to retain their strength. Your mental health is important too, so I would keep swimming.

[ToriP02]

Take it easy, depending on how much exercise you've been doing already, build it up slowly and as ChoocSiesta says, listen to your body. Absolutely go swimming g but don't give yourself the same targets/goals that you "must" complete. Go gently and build yourself up, be aware if you get a little more breathless than normal and if so, stop. Go for it but slowly and take your time!

[Clerkenweller]

My understanding is that the damage to the heart is akin to scarring and so does not repair itself. Your cardiologist can obviously be clearer about this. Exercise is good but real pressure on the heart less so. As suggested the goals should be set by your body rather than your head. In other words if you have any hints of breathlessness or tightness slow down/stop. Otherwise the fitter the better.

[Swim2fitness]

I have gone back to swimming as its exercise I love. Its doesnt feel as strenous as brisk walking but that is the point that we can overdo it without really noticing as it comes so naturally to us. I dont get breathless (swimmimg front crawl I control my breathing well) however I use my fitbit to check my heart rate and slow down if necessary. Its not a race to the finish but exercise to keep our hearts going longer. Expect not to do as much as before I used to comfortably do 2000m at a time, my best now is 1900m but average 1850m. Enjoy but build up rather than just go for it.

[Hidden]

Dear BenThom-Wood

I’m in the “listen to your body” gang { sounds lamer than what it is }

Mine body maybe older than yours but believe me it soon tells me when to rest.

You have to learn to listen and get on with whatever you want to to, your body will tell you the same thing and when it does, take heed.

Good luck with it all